Car accidents are one of the leading causes of broken bones. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that car accidents in the U.S. injure almost3 million people every year. Broken bones are some of the most common injuries in these accidents. The consequences of bone injuries can affect your quality of life as you endure a compound fracture,spinal cord injury, or rib fractures.
Recent advancements in medical treatment have enabled many to recover and regain function after a bone injury. However, the process is often long and painful. At No BS Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers, we advocate for personal injury claims of broken bones caused by car accidents and explain the legal implications that may follow.
Before talking about the specifics of broken bones from car accidents, let’s explore the basics of bone fractures. The impact of a broken bone can vary depending on its severity and location. The key to seeing the full extent of a car accident injury and its treatment is understanding the terminology and types of fractures.
A bone fracture is simply a break or crack in a bone. While it may sound straightforward, the severity of the injury can vary. A simple fracture is a clean break. Meanwhile, a compound fracture happens when the bone breaks through the skin. Other types include:
In car accidents, the type of fracture depends on factors such as the force of the impact and the location of the injury. Common fractures include:
Car accidents generate tremendous force, which can cause bones to break. Knowing the mechanics of how blunt-force trauma and twisting forces can result in fractures can help us recognize the long-term impact of these injuries.
When a vehicle collides with another object, the energy transfer from the impact can be transmitted directly to the passengers. Such force can cause fractures in the arm, leg, or pelvic bones, depending on the nature of the collision. Seat belts, airbags, and the steering wheel play significant roles in bone injuries. For example, a displaced fracture in the arm could happen when a person’s hand strikes the dashboard during a collision.
Different types of accidents lead to different fracture patterns:
In a crash, the steering wheel, airbags, and seat belts can either help protect or exacerbate injuries. Airbags can prevent facial bone injuries, but may cause wrist fractures or arm fractures if deployed forcefully. When an airbag deploys, the force can cause fractures or burns to the driver's arms and hands, as these areas are typically positioned on the wheel during a crash. Similarly, seat belts may prevent serious head injuries but can cause rib fractures or spinal fractures if they’re not positioned correctly.
Certain bones are more vulnerable to fractures in a car accident due to their location in the body and their role in withstanding forces. Here’s a breakdown of the most common bone fractures seen in car accidents.
In high-impact collisions, pelvic fractures and hip fractures are common, especially in side-impact accidents. The pelvis, a sturdy structure in the lower body, is prone to fractures due to its proximity to the car's frame. Leg bones are also prone to fractures in both head-on and rear-end collisions, with knee injuries and femur fractures often requiring surgical repair.
The arms are typically the first line of defense during an accident, especially if the person braces themselves. Instinctively moving the arms often leads to arm fractures, wrist fractures, and shoulder injuries, particularly when the hands or arms strike the dashboard, steering wheel, or side windows.
Spinal fractures can be devastating and may lead to long-term issues such as paralysis. Rib fractures, often caused by the airbag or steering wheel impact, can lead to serious complications, including lung punctures or internal bleeding.
The force from an airbag or windshield during a rideshare accident can result in skull fractures and facial bone injuries. These types of fractures require immediate attention due to the risk of brain trauma.
Diagnosing a broken bone injury accurately and quickly is essential for starting the right treatment. Early intervention can drastically improve healing and recovery time and prevent complications.
After an accident, always seek prompt medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, you should get a professional diagnosis to rule out hidden fractures, such as hairline fractures.
Upon arrival at the hospital, emergency care providers will assess the injury and stabilize the patient. Pain management is critical during this stage, as severe pain can impede further treatment.
Medical professionals may use X-ray, CT, and MRI imaging to verify the diagnosis and determine how serious the injury is. These imaging tools help doctors locate the fracture and assess the need for surgery or other treatments.
Once the fracture is identified, an orthopedic specialist will evaluate the best course of action, whether it’s non-surgical treatment or surgical repair for more complex fractures.
After a broken bone injury, you may experience chronic pain that lingers long after the bone has healed. Even with successful surgical repair or non-surgical treatment, fractures can persistently cause discomfort. It can be particularly challenging for individuals recovering from compound fractures or comminuted fractures, which take longer to heal due to the complexity of the injury.
Many car accident victims also face significant psychological trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression can result from the emotional distress of the accident. Prolonged pain and the limitations caused by the injury also contribute to the suffering. Victims may benefit from therapy and mental health professionals who specialize in trauma recovery.
Simple tasks may now require adjustments. Those with legs, arms, or pelvic fractures often face long-term mobility challenges. In cases where mobility is severely limited, some victims may need to modify their homes or make lifestyle changes to accommodate their existing condition.
Regular check-ups with orthopedic specialists or other healthcare professionals help track progress. Routine checks also help detect potential complications, such as infection, malunion, or nonunion. Victims may need continued physical therapy to regain strength, function, and flexibility.
After sustaining a broken bone injury in a car accident, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. A personal injury claim allows you to seek monetary compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the accident. Nevada’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident (NRS 11.190). You must act together with your personal injury lawyer within this timeframe to preserve your right to compensation.
You need to prove that the other driver was negligent and responsible for the accident. Nevada follows a comparative negligence rule. With that, your compensation could be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident. A car accident attorney helps gather witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports to strengthen your case.
Your damages in a personal injury claim go beyond just medical bills. You can seek compensation for pain, suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress. You may also claim compensation for future medical treatments, physical therapy, and home care services.
When you’re dealing with insurance companies and the legal system at the same time, the claims process can be exhausting. A car accident lawyer ensures that all pieces of evidence are available and negotiates with insurance companies on your behalf. Also, hiring a lawyer can improve your chances of a successful outcome, as they can handle the legal intricacies of your case.
If someone else’s negligence caused the injury, you may be eligible for a personal injury claim.
Nevada follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you may receive reduced compensation depending on the percentage of your fault.
Yes. Compensation for pain and suffering is part of the overall damages in a personal injury claim.
The healing process varies. Fractures may take several weeks to months to heal.
Yes. You can receive compensation for future medical treatments if your injuries require ongoing care or rehabilitation.
While it’s not required, having a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Recovery from a broken bone injury due to a car accident goes beyond medical treatment. It involves healing emotionally, managing pain and suffering, and facing the legal implications that come with the accident. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a personal injury attorney to ensure you receive the guidance and support needed to recover both physically and legally.
At No BS Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers, we advocate for car accident victims to recover just compensation. If you’ve suffered a broken bone injury, our team of personal injury lawyers is here to help you through the complex legal process. We offer a free consultation to assess your case and guide you through your options.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us review your case and fight for the compensation you deserve after a car accident injury. We’re here to help you get the justice and recovery you deserve.
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Beal & Shirts Law, PLLC DBA No BS Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
